§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Government's undertaking that all unemployed 16 and 17-year-old school leavers would be offered a suitable YTS place by Christmas 1987 has been met; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeI am very pleased to say that the Government's undertaking for 1987 has been effectively met. Some 330,000 young people joined YTS during the year, and on 4 January 1988 only 2,305 young people were waiting for the offer of a place, most of whom have now been made an offer. The 1987 figure is an improvement on the 1986 figure (2,376) especially since it includes, for the first time, 17-year-olds, and reflects great credit on the Manpower Services Commission and the careers service.
There will not be a specific Christmas undertaking in 1988. Instead the Government have given a new undertaking to guarantee a place on YTS for all 16 and 17-year-olds who want one. This guarantee will apply not just to school leavers but to young people who may have lost their job or left a YTS scheme. The availability of good quality training within YTS will ensure that in 1988 no one under 18 need be unemployed.